Fork In The Road Music

Over the past 10 years I have spent many weeks at summer camp leading music for various groups. Also I have spent many weeks on mission trips with the various churches I have worked in. In all those years, and all those camps there are some things I have learned. Some I have learned by experience, some by watching others. I thought I would take time to write a small series in which I can pass on to you some of the tips that helped me survive, and hopefully you can also share your survival tips too.

Summer Camp Survival Tips

#1 Make a List- If you went to my closet you would see 5 sleeping bags, two pillows and a cot that I really don’t need to have. A trip to my office would show various cords, adapters and discs that are duplicated sometimes several times. Why might you ask? Because somewhere between 2 hours after leaving my house and the time I arrive at my destination I remember that I forgot something.
I do not think it is very possible not to need anything once you get to your destination I found out two years ago there is one thing you can do to minimize the amount of trips to walmart or radio shack that are required upon arrival. This is by making a list before you leave of everything you need.
I do this on the computer in a small spreadsheet. I make a list of all the items, categorize them as best as possible and then create columns for their current location “church” “home” etc and the a column for packed. This way I know before I leave what I need to collect at my house, and what I need to get from the church. I also will make a list of things that need to be purchased like batteries, guitar pics, shampoo etc. Once I arrive at my destination and spend my week at camp then the list also makes it easy to pack back up. I can make sure that I have the same amount of guitar chords, mics, etc that I arrived with and no less, or no more.
Most summers I am doing 3-4 such trips which use pretty much the same amount of items, so it is easy for the next time to pull out the list, make any adjustments and then re-use it again.

If you have tips for Summer Camp Survival email them to rgmmusic@gmail.com. If they are used you’ll get credit and a link to your site, plus the knowledge that you have helped someone else in their Summer Camp Survival.

More from rgmmusic

• Iphone Apps for Musicians: Part 1
• Summer Camp Survival Tip #2- Get Rest
• Lessons from Camp- Part 1

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Related posts:

1. Summer Camp Survival Tip #2- Get Rest
2. Summer Camp Survival Tip #3- Dress for Success
3. Lessons from Camp- Part 1
4. So You’re Leading Worship for Church Camp- Part 1- Questions to Ask
5. So You’re Leading Worship for Church Camp?- My Packing List